PFC Lawrence Russell Wells 37695232 US Army. He was born on August 26, 1919 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was the son of Seymour Lawrence Wells and Pearle Maude Russell Wells. The family later moved to Sabula, Iowa, where he attended school. He graduated from Sabula High School in 1937. He married Violet Petersen on April 16, 1940, in Davenport City, Iowa. They had four children during their marriage.

He entered the US Army on April 14, 1944, at the time of his enlistment he was 6 feet tall weighed 160 pounds had Black hair and Gray eyes. He entered the Pioneer Platoon of the Antitank Company, 255th Infantry regiment, 63rd Infantry Division, on August 30, 1944 at Camp Van Dorn Mississippi. He went overseas with the Antitank Company, and served in the served in the campaigns of RHINELAND, ARDENNES-ALSACE, and CENTRAL EUROPE. He was awarded his combat Infantryman’s badge on January 13, 1945. He was hospitalized on January 14, 1945 earning his Purple Heart Medal. He was hospitalized again on August 15, 1945 this time for a non battle casualty. On September 2, 1945 he was transferred to the 399th Infantry Regiment, 100th Infantry Division.

He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart Medal, The American Theater of operations Medal, the European Theater of Operations Medal ETO with 2 battle stars, the World War Two Victory Medal, Driver Mechanic Badge and the Expert Marksman Badge for Anti Tank, Rifle, Carbine, Pistol Dismounted. 

 

Following his discharge from service, he became employed in the appliance industry in companies to include, GE, Hotpoint and the Jarrell Company. He also established his own firm. In 1950 he was living in Osolo, Indiana. The family later moved to Dallas Texas. He was a member of Preston Hollow United Methodist Church in Dallas. He died on March 15, 2004, in Dallas, Texas, at the age of 84, and his Urn is at Restland Memorial Park in Dallas Texas.

63rd Infantry Division Records

the U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men,

1940-1947 the 1950 United States Federal Census

Dallas Morning News, Mar 16 to Mar 17, 2004

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